Numerous forms of dance exist, from ballet to break dancing. Depending on the interest of the child, she may enroll in formal classes, including classic minuet, waltz and ballroom dancing. Formal dances involve strict patterns and are traditionally performed at ceremonial occasions. Alternatively, jazz, tap and hip hop dancing involve a casual and improvisational interaction, often with intense body motion.
Enrolling in dance helps a child grow in a number of significant ways. Children develop physically, learning coordinated movements, flexibility and kinesthetic recall. Dance is also beneficial for overall physical fitness. Children grow emotionally, balancing self expression through creative interpretation. Social and mental connections also strengthen in dance. Kids learn appropriate interaction between dance partners and discover creative problem solving through the use of the body.
Depending on the age and personality of the child, he may prefer one form of dance over another. Consider the kinds of music the child prefers to determine the type of dance he may enjoy. Kids may have to put on a certain type of wardrobe--tights, for example--and the child should feel comfortable doing so. Additionally, time and performance obligations deserve consideration to ensure the child is truly committed to the full demands of the class.
Dance is a physical means to expand profound and powerful emotional expressions. Dance began as a ritualistic and physical form of spiritual expression in ancient times. As years went by and forms of dance emerged, the philosophy of dance has remained the same. Dance directly connects a person with her emotional state without the intellectual interference of speech. Children especially bond with their natural instincts to move, jump and explore.